Turnstone Biologics Inc. is the leading virus-based immunoncology biotechnology company developing novel oncolytic vaccine therapeutics for cancer patients. Our first-in-class platform technology attacks tumours using a two-pronged approach: targeted and robust tumour killing using an oncolytic virus, in combination with a cancer vaccine that generates long-lasting anti-tumour immune responses. Turnstone is building a world-class, high-performing team that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. Turnstone has a seasoned board of directors and venture capital partners, is enrolling clinical studies, has a rich development portfolio, and highly active R&D efforts led by a world-class scientific management team. Turnstone is co-located in Ottawa, Canada and New York, USA. For more information, please visit www.turnstonebio.com or email info@turnstonebio.com.

How do you know if you’re the right fit? 

Imagine coming to work every day where over-communication, transparency, teaching, listening, asking, thinking, working hard, and having fun are normal – actually, expected? Imagine having a coach, mentor, peers, and partners where candid feedback, self-improvement, risk taking, failing, learning from that failing, and succeeding are what we call ‘another Thursday at Turnstone’? At Turnstone, the science drives decision making, and our drugs are designed with the patient in mind. Like the disease we’re fighting, our platform is complex, and transformative. If you’re a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.

If you are interested in being part of a dynamic team of  key “go-to” biomarker and assay professionals, then this role may be for you!  Your role will be to drive/support/contribute to the implementation of the clinical biomarker strategy for multiple therapeutics.  You will have experience working with some or all the following, as they relate to Biomarker duties:

  • Manage the development of companion diagnostics in collaboration with appropriate vendors and other stakeholders
  • Select centralized testing vendors and assays to best investigate the clinical biomarkers and mechanism-of-action questions
  • Oversee assay development and validation of assays at CROs
  • Oversee implementation of clinical trial assays at centralized testing vendors
  • Remain up to date on new technologies, methods, and regulatory expectations
  • Perform data analysis of various assays, which could include (but is not limited to) virus plaque assays, RT-qPCR and RT-PCR, western blots, IHC, immunoassays (ICS, ELISPOT), neutralizing antibody assays, NGS, RNAseq, among others
  • Draft reports for internal and external stakeholders
  • Review, summarize, document, and prepare data for databases and formal reports
  • Trend data on per patient and per group basis to discover meaningful correlations and trends
  • Draft regulatory documents for biomarker and companion diagnostics
  • Maintain knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements and relevant scientific/technical issues
  • Generate and maintain clinical SOPs and SOWs to support technical work at sites
  • Manage contracts, budgets and timelines
  • Maintain involvement in a wide spectrum of R&D functions including evaluation of drug candidates and clinical biomarker research

The details

This role is best suited for a some with the following:

  • PhD in immunology, virology or other related disciplines
  • At least 5 years of pharma research-related experience (individuals with considerable academic experience will be considered)
  • Experience and knowledge with some of the following assays: virus plaque assays, RT-qPCR and RT-PCR, western blots, IHC, immunoassays (ICS, ELISPOT, flow cytometry), nAb assays, NGS, RNAseq, among others
  • Experience in development and validation of clinical assays at CROs.
  • Experience with outsourcing and monitoring of clinical assays
  • Excellent analytical, technical writing, and data management skills
  • Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong ability to work closely with several disciplines within a small company, displaying innovative thinking, motivation, and accountability
  • Good planning and organizational skills
  • Able to multi-task, react, and adapt to changing priorities
  • Attention to detail
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills
  • Ability to travel as required

Asset qualifications:

  • Companion diagnostic experience in oncology considered a strong asset
  • Knowledge and experience in virology, oncology, and immunology is preferred

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.


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